Restaurants in Northeast Mexico
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A
Fonda San Francisco
A bit away from the center in the suburb of San Pedro, this restaurant is unique. Most of the recipes in this inviting little bistro, which is patronized by the chic upper crust, are inspired by pre-Hispanic cooking. English-speaking chef Adrian Herrera will guide you through the menu, which is ripe with delights like molito de hongos (mushroom mole with chicken) and pavo en pipián de cacao (turkey with pumpkin-seed and chocolate sauce). It’s located just south of Avenida Vasconcelos; if you take bus 130 get off by the Super Roma. A taxi is M$60 to M$70.
reviewed
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B
Aromas
A second home for some of Matamoros’ artists and intellectuals, this hip restaurant features avant-garde paintings on exposed brick walls and an intimate garden patio, where you can enjoy breakfasts (M$15 to M$60), spinach salads, fruity crepes, and well-executed main dishes including pastas and seafood. Prices are generally high, but the comida corrida (M$55), which includes soup, drink and dessert, is a great deal. The bar area upstairs, with modern booths, is perfect cocktail-quaffing territory and has live trova at weekends and jazz and other chill sounds on the stereo weekdays.
reviewed
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C
El Infinito
Highly enjoyable culture café set inside colonial premises with gorgeous tiled floors, high beamed ceilings and walls adorned with art. Musically, things are kept tranquil with ambient and classical music on the hi-fi and Friday-night live jazz on the rooftop terrace (called the Aire Bar). It offers high-priced sandwiches, cheese plates, pizzas, fruit frappés, mango martinis and properly made espresso. There are books to browse and occasional art-house movies. Ask Pepe, the amiable owner, about his desert tours.
reviewed
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La Canasta
One of Mexico's gastronomic greats, this famous place is decorated with art and antiques and warmed with a roaring fire. The menu is international with lots of meat and seafood selections. The signature dish is arroz huérfano (orphan's rice), which is loaded with ham, bacon, pecans, almonds and more.
reviewed
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D
Don Elias
A mix of tasty food, good service and lovely decor (fancy in the front and a fun log-cabin look in back) makes this place popular. The menu is heavy on steak and seafood, but you can eat lighter with the enchiladas rojas (enchiladas in red sauce) or salads. A guitar trio plays from 2:30pm to 4:30pm.
reviewed
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E
Luisiana
Tuxedoed waiters and all the trappings of high-end dining are available at this classic. The meat and seafood menu is a mix of old and new, Mexican and Continental, with choices like cabrito, beef stroganoff, Indian curried shrimp and pato al hono al'orange (duck a la orange).
reviewed
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F
Novum
Walking into this slick, yet cozy, Argentine restaurant in Barrio Antiguo, prepare to pick a bottle of wine from the cellar, eat scrumptious pizza, or dig into a hunk of Argentine beef. It’s an excellent place to get romántico or to laugh around a table with rambunctious friends.
reviewed
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G
Restaurant San Antonio
Saltillo has many contenders for loveliest restaurant, but we give the nod to this place, with dining in and around a bright-orange, sky-lit courtyard. Service could use a kick in the ass, but the kitchen, turning out a mix of Mexican and international flavors, meets expectations.
reviewed
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H
La Zanahoria
Simple little vegetarian place run by yoga fanatics serving food like beregena gratinada (eggplant baked with breadcrumbs and tomato and cheese) and mock-meat milanesa (thin slices breaded and fried). All dishes include wholemeal bread, soup, salad and a drink.
reviewed
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Cafetería y Panadería La Superior
No frills, but oodles of charm, from the bullfighter portraits to the locals lingering over mugs of coffee, this classic place draws crowds for huevos con machacado (scrambled eggs with dried, shredded beef), chicken fajitas, quesadillas, and steak sandwiches.
reviewed
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El Nuevo Sol
Take a booth in this bright, happy health-food store-café and you’ll feel like you’ve left Nuevo Laredo. The breakfasts, salads and antojitos are made with fresh veggies, soya meats and whole-wheat breads. The comida corrida (set lunch) costs M$70.
reviewed
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I
Mi Pueblito
The restaurant is topped by a soaring thatched roof and has colorful textile tablecloths. It offers a menu of Mexican favorites, but its best value is the filling set lunch (M$80, available noon to 4pm). Take your pick from a variety of cigars and 200 tequilas.
reviewed
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J
La Casa de Maíz
A bohemian place specializing in corn-based comfort food from southern Mexico, including memelas (thick tortillas with black beans topped with cheese and more), plus quesadillas and tostadas (sandwiches), all served on hand-painted tables.
reviewed
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K
Iannilli
Seriously elegant and expensive Italian restaurant with intimate dining rooms and formal service. The extensive menu includes risotto with porcini mushroom, gnocchi, shrimp dishes and pizza. The attached Mexican restaurant, Madre Oaxaca, is also very good.
reviewed
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L
Café Sánchez
This venerable place with black tie-wearing waiters serves huevos rancheros and enchiladas suizas, but it's really all about the meat: a two-person parrillada with cabrito and steak costs around $250.
reviewed
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M
El Rey del Cabrito
Huge landmark restaurant, complete with a revolving crown on top. Your goat arrives at the table still sizzling on a bed of onions, with a large salad and tortillas. Start things off with the principio de fritada (fried blood).
reviewed
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La Fe
The place is run by the local women’s cooperative, has a large menu, but rarely has much of it available. Try the tortas de napalitos (cactus sandwiches) if you can. It also sells bird embroidery and homemade fruit preserves.
reviewed
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N
Las Monjitas
The waitresses are dressed as nuns and nearly every inch of space is covered in colorful tiles at this bizarre chain restaurant. The food is only so-so, but it’s a fun experience. And, yes; it serves beer.
reviewed
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O
Cafetería Tony’s
A mixture of good food (breakfasts, antojitos, tacos and sandwiches) and low prices keeps this simple place packed much of the day. And that’s the only downside; you might have to wait for a seat.
reviewed
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Paletería Michoacana
Adolescents serve popsicles (paletas) galore, both milk and water based, made with delicious fresh fruit. Grab one for a stroll with the rest of the town in Parque Alameda in the evening.
reviewed
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El Siciliano
Authentic, intimate little Italian restaurant on the eastern edge of the Barrio Antiguo. Great pasta and stuffed calamari are served up on gingham tablecloths and there's a good wine selection.
reviewed
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Restaurant El Principal
Cabrito (kid goat) is the specialty at this family restaurant. It offers assorted cuts of goat such as cabecita (steamed baby goat’s head) and traditional cuts of beef steak.
reviewed
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La Casona
If you want superb carne asada (roasted meat; M$85), go to this central restaurant. The trappings are simple, the portions are large, and the meat is roasted in front of your eyes.
reviewed
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La Casona
The Hotel Plaza’s restaurant has agreeable ambience and serves antojitos (small plates), steaks, salads, pastas, crepes and breakfasts. It’s a good place to start or end your day.
reviewed
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R
Como En Casa
Popular for the price, of course, but the food isn’t bad. You have a choice of eight mains plus soup, salad, beans, rice and a drink. Closing time can depend on when the food runs out.
reviewed